BACKGROUND: Cigars by H. Upmann are among the best known in the cigar industry and the brand itself is one of the oldest. After emigrating from Britain to Cuba in 1844, two brothers, Herman and August Hupmann, operated the H. Upmann cigar factory located at 85 San Miguel Street in Havana.

Meanwhile, the family established the H. Upmann bank in Havana and H. Upmann cigars became associated with their banking business. In fact, H. Upmann is sometimes credited with the invention of packaging cigars in cedar box packaging, which they give to their banking customers. These original boxes were labeled with the H. Upmann name and contained their cigars, most likely as an advertisement for the operation.

During the First World War, the Hupmann family came into a severe stretch of bad fortune. In 1922 the bank became insolvent and H. Upmann cigars was forced into bankruptcy. The brand would be purchased by an English company, J. Frankau & Co. Ltd, and would eventually be sold to Menéndez, Garcia & Company in 1937.

H. Upmann cigars are popular worldwide and yet despite the company's antiquity, they have only released 2 Edición Limitadas. Cuba has been offering Edición Limitadas since the year 2000. The H. Upmann 2009 Edición Limitada is the second limited edition from company and the first since 2005.

In the beginning of the Edición Limitada program, only the wrapper leaf had to be aged for a minimum of 2-years. However, since 2007, each limited edition cigar is characterized by its careful selection of tobacco leaves, and for its use of tobacco that has been aged for no less than 2-years for the wrapper, binder and filler. Manufactured in small quantities, the Edición Limitada is an exclusive and highly desirable collectors item for the true premium cigar enthusiast. This week's featured Edición Limitada is the H. Upmann 2009 Magnum 48, a 4.3-inch by 48 ring Robusto.

TASTING NOTES: This cigar is immediately easy to smoke. It has notes of tobacco, wood and a distinct sweetness on the palate, but approaches you with light to medium body and flavor.

This is what H. Upmann's are noted for. A straightforward flavor and not overly complex. This forthright flavor profile is appreciated by those who enjoy a simple cigar with a pleasing sameness of flavor throughout. H. Upmann cigars are very popular in England for this exact reason.

The draw and burn were excellent, which made this cigar a joy to smoke. This Corona Extra should give you about 40-minutes of smoking enjoyment and would make a great pair with a fine scotch our bourbon.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This is an excellent little cigar that is a great size for a short smoke. The construction in each sample has been excellent and the flavors, though somewhat straightforward, are pleasant. I believe this cigar will have excellent aging potential and I will get to test that theory when I revisit this cigar again in another year.

~Doc